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Crying Boy Painting Curse
In 1985, British tabloid The Sun reported that copies of a mass-produced 'Crying Boy' painting survived house fires while everything else burned. The story spread panic, and The Sun organized a bonfire of the paintings. No scientific explanation was found for the alleged curse.
1985
United Kingdom
1000+ witnesses
A mass-produced painting allegedly caused house fires.
The Painting
What it was:
- Mass-produced print
- Italian artist Bruno Amadio
- Crying boy portrait
- Sold in millions
- Common household decoration
The Sun Report
September 1985:
- British tabloid story
- Firefighter claims
- Paintings survived fires
- Houses destroyed
- Painting unburned
The Panic
Public reaction:
- Mass hysteria
- People burned paintings
- The Sun held bonfire
- Thousands destroyed
- Refused to keep them
The Reports
What was claimed:
- Over 50 house fires
- Painting only survivor
- Always face down
- Homes destroyed
- Owners cursed
The Explanation
Skeptical analysis:
- Varnish coating
- Fire-resistant backing
- Falls face down naturally
- Coincidence
- Media sensationalism
The Legacy
Cultural impact:
- Urban legend born
- Still discussed
- Art collectors seek them
- Valuable now
- British phenomenon